\n<\/p>\n
Playing back-to-back five-setters for the first time in his career – and winning them both against Argentina’s Mariano Navone and Kokkinakis – provided a deep sense of satisfaction for Draper.<\/p>\n
There was a time not too long ago when the left-handed Englishman lamented being known as “the guy who is injured a lot”.<\/p>\n
The early part of his career was challenging because of regular physical issues and it was no coincidence his ascension up the ATP rankings last year came as a result of spending more time on court.<\/p>\n
Draper’s fullest season so far led to a first ATP title, taking over as British number one and the run to the US Open semi-finals which alerted him to a wider audience.<\/p>\n
A hip injury which disrupted his off-season not only came at an unfortunate time, it allowed the people who questioned his durability to resurface.<\/p>\n
When the Briton clinched the first set against Vukov in 30 minutes, it seemed like a more straightforward night ahead.<\/p>\n
Vukic, a late-bloomer playing in the third round of a major for the first time, caused damage with his forehand but did not have the consistency to turn an early break into a lead.<\/p>\n
Draper fought back with the help of some explosive hitting, including a running forehand winner around the net post which drew gasps from the crowd.<\/p>\n
However, Draper’s level plummeted in the second and third sets as Vukic turned the match around.<\/p>\n
Smashing a racquet on the court, and having a pop at the booing fans, allowed a tense Draper to let off some steam before the fourth.<\/p>\n
A tight set produced more shots from both men worthy of the match highlights reel, including a precise inside-out forehand across the court and a backhand volley from Vukic which saved two set points.<\/p>\n
Draper continued to move forward in the court more at the start of the decider, helping him pinch an early break – but Vukic fed off the crowd energy to recover again.<\/p>\n
The first-to-10 match tie-break was a fitting end to settle the contest and Draper, having led 3-0 and trailed 6-5, placed an unreturned first serve down the middle on his second match point.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n